Valgus foot placement in children. Plano-valgus deformity of the feet - we are looking for a good orthopedist. How to diagnose hallux valgus in a child

Often, parents at a pediatrician's appointment hear about the deformity "flat valgus foot in a child." In the future, all examinations will be carried out by a pediatric orthopedist, who will keep a medical history.

To understand what the diagnosis of a flat valgus setting means, you can parse the word itself. "Flat" means that the child's foot is flat - this is obvious, but valgus means that their installation in the child is X-shaped. Many of us have met people who have legs in X, in the case of our X disease, only the feet are located.

Orthopedists say that a flat valgus foot in a child is not a disease, but a deformity that is the result of weak ligaments. In a child with such a problem, the legs get tired faster. Anatomically, the foot sinks inward, as a result, the vaults and arches are not formed as they should be.

If you do not treat flat valgus feet in children, then over time the problem will develop into flat feet.

What is dangerous flat feet

For many people, flat feet are just an excuse not to serve in the military. But those who own this defect know that, apart from jokes, there are many problems.

The safest, but all the same nasty is cosmetic defect. And in the future it becomes difficult to find the right shoes, you constantly have to look for a special manufacturer and special insoles.

Women cannot walk in heels, the heel moves forward, which leads to discomfort, spoils the gait and has adverse effect on the spine. Over time, a lump may appear near the base thumb. This protruding bone not only spoils appearance legs and interferes with wearing beautiful shoes, but also spoils a person’s well-being due to constant inflammation and aching pain. Therefore, it is imperative to pay attention and act on this.

When to See a Doctor

At small child flat valgus installation appears as soon as the child independently stands on his feet. The leg does not withstand the load of the body, and the inner edge of the feet sags, and the front section is retracted. As soon as the first signs of X-shaped limbs appeared, that is, a flat valgus sign, you need to consult a doctor for advice and purchase high-quality shoes.

The diagnosis of flat feet in a child is most often heard after the age of 3 years, and the valgus foot is already at 9-12 months. Over time, these two problems combine into one, and a flat valgus foot is obtained.

Flat feet are not inherent in children under 3 years of age as a disease. It is present in all children, but it is physiological, that is, this is a normal state for this period of development. On inside the child’s foot does not have a characteristic notch, so far there is a fatty layer there, which works like a shock absorber. An orthopedist can only pay attention to the shape of the child's foot if it is flattened or wide, as a result, a flat valgus foot setting can be detected.

Causes of the defect

The condition of the child's feet and the formation of a flat valgus foot are affected by:

general muscle weakness of the child;
decreased or increased muscle tone;
protracted viral diseases;
pneumonia;
bronchitis;
rickets;
prematurity.

Flat feet and flat valgus curvature in children is a consequence of stretching of the ligaments and muscles of the inside of the foot, lower leg and ankle, the heel moves outward, the ankle inward, and the entire lower leg changes its centered location.

If the flat valgus position is strongly pronounced, then it becomes difficult not only to perform physical exercise but also just walk. Depreciation is minimized, so the entire burden falls on the spine and brain.

After 5 years, flat valgus foot placement in children is practically not treated, so therapy should be started as early as possible. For starters, flat feet just stop and get better. general state legs. And even if it is not possible to cure the child by 100%, this deviation (if it is under control) will not affect his general health in the future. Based on the severity of the problem and age, the doctor prescribes orthopedic insoles, physiotherapy and massage.

The Importance of Massage

Thanks to the massage, the child's muscles relax, the ligaments stretch, they become stronger, the balance of forces normalizes, after which the foot takes the desired position, which is achieved in the treatment of flat valgus foot.

The most important factor in the treatment of flat valgus foot in a child is exercise therapy. It is not used in isolation, as it is aimed only at consolidating the result. Using massage and exercise therapy in parallel, you can achieve a stable, long-term result.

As for massage, the emphasis is on the inner and front, part of the lower leg, on the foot attention is paid thumbs: it is important to improve their supinatory functions.

During the massage, one should not put much pressure on the legs, the methods of kneading, rubbing and stroking are used. When massaging the legs with a flat valgus foot, vibration, rubbing and stroking are used. Massage is done before and after gymnastics.

The process of correcting flat feet and flat valgus foot is long and complicated, but if you continuously practice necessary procedures, one can count on the normalization of the state of health and proper growth lower extremities.

Physiotherapy

Special exercise therapy exercises for children, if there is a flat valgus setting of the feet, can be performed at home. The child must perform exercises in thin socks or barefoot, the whole complex is divided into several parts of 2-3 exercises and is performed throughout the day. The main emphasis in flat-valgus installation is aimed at the correct positioning of the feet when standing and walking. Sometimes doctors, after certain examinations, prescribed salt baths and electrophoresis. It was even such that doctors with flat valgus foot convincingly recommended a bicycle. And you know what, it helped.

Children's gymnastics leads to the fact that the child must learn to put his legs and feet in the correct position, that is, close and parallel to each other, and not widely spaced, as with a flat valgus defect. If he had a flat valgus setting, then the lower limbs will gradually fall into place.

In order to develop walking skills with flat valgus disease, it is recommended to walk along a path no more than 15 centimeters wide, it can be a strip of carpet or a board, if there is neither one nor the other, you can draw borders directly on the floor with chalk. On the street, you can also lead a child along curbs, logs, etc.

Rest special exercises for flat valgus feet in children, the doctor selects directly.

How helpful information, include in the diet of the child: turkey and rabbit meat, fish, also foods containing a large number of calcium, like cottage cheese and cheese. Very helpful fresh juices, zucchini, zucchini, celery, sesame seeds, etc. If possible, go with your child to specialized sanatoriums, for faster and effective treatment feet. It will be not only relaxing, but also useful!

Valgus deformity of the foot- a violation in which there is a decrease in the height of the arch of the foot and deformation of its axis. This disease at the genetic level is diagnosed very rarely, it is mostly acquired in nature. With timely detection and treatment of this disease, irreversible consequences can be avoided, such as: the formation of incorrect posture, curvature of the knee and ankle joints, the appearance of arthrosis and osteoporosis.

IMPORTANT: Only an orthopedic traumatologist can determine whether this is a functional or pathological disorder.

Installation of a valgus foot in children

IMPORTANT: do not try to force the child to walk ahead of time until he himself begins to stand on his feet.

The diagnosis of valgus foot in children is characterized by the following symptoms

between the inner ankles of compressed and straightened knees, in a standing position, the distance is more than 5 cm
foot support is on inner part, and the outer one does not come into contact with the floor and is raised, i.e. heel and toes look outward, and middle department turned inward (the arches of the feet acquire an X-shape)
a clumsy shuffling gait appears
at an advanced stage, the sole of the child is compacted, the 1st and 2nd fingers are deformed, so that the second bends and there is always a callus on it
there is pain in the legs and swelling

Causes of the formation of valgus foot in children

connective tissue dysplasia
overweight child
lack of vitamin D
violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism
ill-fitting children's shoes
skeletal bone loss
genetic inheritance
child's inactive lifestyle
development of endocrine diseases
diabetes mellitus disease thyroid gland, rickets
foot injury

IMPORTANT: if the disease is not caused by heredity, it is necessary to monitor the condition of your baby's legs while moving. Attentive attitude will avoid the occurrence of foot deformity, because. on early stages it can be cured without surgery.

Massage as a treatment for hallux valgus in children

With valgus disease of the feet, one of the important points of treatment is massage, especially for young children (up to 2 years old). It strengthens the muscles of the feet, relieves tension in the legs, gives the muscles tone and normalizes the blood circulation of the ligaments and bones, thereby improving nutrition, normalizing the growth and development of the lower extremities. master correct technique massage on your own is difficult, but possible, when taking a course from a specialist. However, it is still recommended to use professional doctor, because treatment is carried out in combination with other muscles of the body: back, lumbosacral region, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, knee and ankle joints, as well as the Achilles tendon.

IMPORTANT: massage course 10-12 sessions in 3-4 months

Light daily massage up to 2 years:

Lay your baby tummy down on a changing table or massage table with their feet on the edge.
place a cushion under the shins in the form of a roller
start the massage with light strokes of the back along the spine from the belt to the neck, along the sides of the back towards armpits and finish by rubbing with your fingertips
then stroke, rub and knead the area of the buttocks in a circular motion. Clap and pet
then go to the legs: stroke each whole, then the hips from the dimple up and out. Apply a percussive “chopping” technique with several fingers and stroke
stretch the muscles of the back of the thigh, turn the child over - now the front
roast the skin
clap your hands open, then closed
finish the massage with a stroking

IMPORTANT: do massage in the morning and evening for 10-15 minutes and do not be afraid that you will not succeed. Below is a detailed video course

Children's massage with valgus in children. Video

Children's shoes for hallux valgus

As a result of foot deformity, it is important for the child to choose the right comfortable shoes that:

matches the size of his foot
Equipped with orthopedic straight insoles
has a soft rubber sole and Thomas heel
oversized rigid heel and lateral parts
comfortable, tight-fitting fasteners
made of genuine leather

Such shoes relieve unnecessary stress from the muscles, support the foot in the right position and form the correct gait.
Orthopedic shoes must be new, of high quality and for all seasons. It is advisable to buy it in specialized stores and orthopedic salons.

IMPORTANT: you need to wear orthopedic shoes for a certain time, because. constant wear will lead to atrophy of the leg muscles. How much it is supposed to be worn will be determined by the doctor, depending on the degree of deformity of the foot and the age of the child.

Exercises for the treatment of hallux valgus in children

To strengthen the muscles of the feet and maintain the flexibility of their joints, there are simple exercises that a child can easily do at home.
Exercise #1: take small items, such as pencils, and scatter them on the floor. Ask your child to pick them up with their toes.
Exercise #2: put the child on a chair, put the ball in front of him and put his feet on it. Let him, pressing on the ball, roll it (instead of the ball, you can use an old abacus or a massage mat).

Exercise #3: do squats with your child, so that the feet do not come off the floor
Exercise #4: put the child "in Turkish" and ask him to stand up, with this rise, the support will be directed to the outer edge of the foot (as it should be). Alternate legs, repeat 4-6 times.

Exercise #5: pour warm water (34-36 degrees) into the bathroom, pour pebbles into it and lower the child. The water level should be just above his ankle. Hold the child, let him be like.

IMPORTANT: exercises should be done without gross manipulation, they should be easy and useful.

Take your time to teach your baby to walk from 7 months
Visit the orthopedist regularly
Strengthen your child's immunity
Prevent rickets
In the summer season, walk barefoot with your baby on natural surfaces
Buy the right shoes, not for growth, but for size
Give your child more active play

The development of hallux valgus in a child, like any other acquired disease, can be prevented. The main thing is to closely monitor the development of the baby, and if symptoms appear, contact a specialist who will find out the cause and select the correct treatment.

IMPORTANT: If this disease is not detected in time, in the future your child may experience serious problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Video: Gymnastics for valgus feet

Video: A set of exercises for valgus feet

Parents perceive the first steps of a child as a very joyful family event. But it can be overshadowed by the identification of such an orthopedic pathology as valgus deformity of the feet. This disturbance usually becomes apparent just in time for the start of walking and after some time. Yevgeny Komarovsky, a well-known pediatrician and author of books on children's health, tells about the causes of the problem and what to do in this situation.

About the disease

Valgus in medicine is such a deformity of the feet, in which they are in a cruciform position with respect to each other, reminiscent of the Latin X. Most often, the pathology becomes noticeable when the child tries to step on the legs and take the first steps - the pathology is expressed in the fact that when walking, the baby rests on the inside of the foot.

It is extremely difficult for such a baby to take steps - he quickly gets tired, sometimes he experiences pain, the steps themselves are shaky and uncertain. Orthopedists describe this condition in terms of processes occurring in the feet - fingers and heels are turned outward, middle part feet slightly lowered. If the legs are straightened and pressed against each other in the knee region, the distance between the bones of the ankles will be more than 3-4 centimeters. If at the same time the height of the arch of the foot is significantly reduced, then orthopedists will already say that the child has flat-valgus feet. Valgus flatfoot is considered the most common diagnosis in pediatric orthopedics.

This curvature of the feet, there are two types: congenital and physiological (acquired). In the first case, the legs are bent even during the period of intrauterine development of the fetus under the influence of certain factors that medicine does not yet know much about. Congenital pathologies of the foot are usually quite severe, and it is possible to see them in the first 2-3 months of the child's independent life.

Acquired deformity is often associated with errors in the development and functioning of the musculoskeletal system, ligaments, tendons. It is these violations that become apparent closer to the age of one. At risk - crumbs with weakened muscles, premature babies suffering from rickets, who have undergone frequent and severe viral infections in the first year of life. The legs are at risk of bending in obese children, since the load on the lower limbs during overweight quite significant.

Sometimes parents themselves are to blame for the occurrence of pathology. So, too early setting the baby on his feet may well “start” the mechanism of foot deformity, and insufficient load on the foot, walking exclusively on a flat floor can cause acquired flat feet or flat-valgus foot.

Flat feet scare parents no less. However, Komarovsky advises not to panic, because absolutely all children have flat feet from birth, this is a feature of babies. The arch of the foot will form gradually, as the load on the legs grows, and everything is in the hands of the parents, with the exception of congenital flat feet, which can only be corrected surgically.

Degrees of pathology

There are four main degrees of valgus disease according to the severity of the defect and the severity of the course:

First degree. The angle of deviation from the norm does not exceed 15 degrees. Pathology lends itself well to correction by conservative methods.
Second degree. Deviation angle - no more than 20 degrees. This condition is also successfully treated with exercises, massage and physiotherapy.
Third degree. Deviation angle - no more than 30 degrees. The pathology is difficult to correct, the treatment is long, but with due patience and perseverance on the part of parents and doctors, the prognosis is very favorable.
Fourth degree. Off angle normal values- more than 30 degrees. With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, a surgical operation is prescribed.

Flat feet also have several degrees, which are similarly classified according to the degree of deviation of the arch of the foot from the norm. As in the case of hallux valgus, the first and second degrees of ordinary flat feet are treated quite simply and quickly enough. The third and fourth will be more difficult.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made by an orthopedic doctor. This is done on the basis of visual inspection and assigned additional research which include radiography of the feet, computer plantography, podometry. If such studies are not prescribed, and the doctor makes an appropriate diagnosis for you, you should consult another doctor. Quite often, small patients with confirmed valgus pathology are advised to visit a neurologist to rule out problems with the peripheral and central nervous systems.

As soon as the causes that underlie the modification of the feet are identified, the doctor will establish the type of lesion by etiology:

Static deformation. Such a problem is detected if incorrect posture is involved in the curvature.
Structural deformation. curvature of the feet, which congenital causes. Usually, talus with such a deformation, it is located incorrectly with a deviation in one direction or another.
compensatory deformation. If a child has a shortened Achilles tendon, beveled legs, the foot will deform functionally when walking.
corrective deformation. Such a curvature occurs if the child was treated completely incorrectly or was not treated at all with the usual clubfoot.
Spastic nerve deformity. The reason for this curvature is the malfunctioning of the cerebral cortex, which often results in spasms of the limbs.
paralytic deformity. It is usually the result of a transfer to early age encephalitis or complicated poliomyelitis.
Rachitic deformity. Occurs with rickets.
Consequences of trauma. Ligament ruptures, fractures of the bones of the foot, ankle, injuries of the hip and hip joint can lead to pathology.

When diagnosing flat feet, the same techniques and research methods are used.

Treatment

Finally, the child's foot is formed only by the age of 12, so many problems found by specialists and the parents themselves at a more tender age can and should be corrected right up to this moment, says Dr. Komarovsky.

Usually, the treatment of both flat feet and valgus curvature is aimed at strengthening the ligamentous apparatus, the muscles of the foot, and forming an arch. For this, foot baths are prescribed, massotherapy, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, swimming, physiotherapy exercises. At congenital pathology immobilize the lower limbs with plaster. In the absence of the desired effect of all these measures, the child may be recommended surgical intervention.

If the defect is not treated and corrected, in the case of a severe deformity, the child is at risk of subsequent disability, since the increased load on the knee and hip joints causes deformation and destruction of them, which leads to irreversible changes functions of the musculoskeletal system.

Forecasts

The sooner the pathology is detected, the easier it will be to correct it. Medical statistics show that valgus curvature of the feet and legs, detected at the age of one and a little older with appropriate therapy, has very favorable prognosis - the probability of eliminating the problem completely and permanently approaches one hundred percent.

If the disease is detected late or the child has not been provided with the necessary medical care for a number of reasons and the disease is advanced, adolescence There is a very high risk of developing spinal problems. The more time has passed since the onset of the curvature before the start of treatment, the less likely it is for a complete successful recovery.

Shoes

Quite often, parents tend to blame themselves for problems with the child's foot. Moms feel guilty that they may have chosen the wrong shoes for their child, which caused a violation of the anatomy of the foot . Evgeny Komarovsky reassures parents - the deformation of the legs does not in any way depend on shoes. Since a person initially appeared in the next world without shoes, it is not so necessary for him from a biological and physiological point of view.

However, with the help of a special orthopedic shoes can fix some pathological changes in the foot. Although relying entirely on healing properties Komarovsky does not recommend expensive orthopedic shoes. They can have an auxiliary effect, but they need to be treated in other ways, and prevented through an active lifestyle, walking barefoot on uneven surfaces, running and jumping. The more active the child, the less likely the acquired curvature of the feet or flat feet.

Most parents are interested in when it is possible to start putting on shoes for a child. Komarovsky says that there is no point in doing this immediately after the first steps. Let the baby walk barefoot as long as possible - around the house, on the street, if possible. Naturally, in kindergarten or for a walk in the park you need to put on a child.

With severe valgus symptoms, it is often recommended to buy insoles with insoles that prevent the foot from “falling” inward. These shoes usually have hard sidewalls that fix the foot in correct position, solid heel lock. Most often, such shoes have to be made to order, taking into account the degree of deviation from the norm, which is measured and described by the orthopedist.

You should not buy orthopedic shoes for a baby just like that, for prevention, just because it seemed to the mother that the legs of the crumbs were not located in the right way.

When choosing ordinary casual shoes, Komarovsky advises to follow the basic rules:

Shoes should be in size, not small and not large, the child should be comfortable and comfortable.
Buying shoes "for growth" does not make sense, since the geometry of the foot changes during the growth of the leg.
It is desirable that the shoes are not sewn from synthetic materials, the leg should "breathe".
Pointed toes and heels are not allowed in children's shoes.

Flat-valgus foot is the most common pediatric orthopedic pathology. It is usually encountered in the first years of a child's life, because it becomes obvious after the baby begins to master independent walking. What to do if such a curvature is detected, we will tell in this article.

What it is

In fact, hallux valgus and flat feet are different pathologies of the lower extremities, but in children, it is the combination of a decrease in the arch of the feet, characteristic of flat feet, and a change in the position of the foot under load with an inward displacement, characteristic of hallux valgus, that is most often observed.

Hallux valgus is a deformity in which the child vertical position rests mainly on the inside of the feet, and the fingers and heel are turned outward.

Normally, the setting of the legs should be parallel, that is, when looking at two standing feet behind you can mentally draw two straight vertical lines. In a child with hallux valgus, these lines are refracted in the area ankle joint with a deviation to the outside, which causes the second name of the pathology - X-shaped deformation.

With flat feet, things are much more complicated. All children from birth have a physiological flat foot, so this cannot be considered a pathology at 1-2 years old. However, orthopedists consider the problem in a complex manner, and in the child's medical record, a diagnosis that frightens parents appears - plano-valgus deformity.

Causes

Rarely enough, but hallux valgus can be congenital. For some reason, the lower limbs of the fetus in the womb begin to develop abnormally. Such legs can be seen almost immediately after the birth of the baby, and at 2-3 months the diagnosis is usually made quite reasonably.

More often the pathology has an acquired character. Flat-valgus feet can become due to an exorbitant load on the baby's weak legs. This happens if parents start putting the baby in walkers or jumpers too early.

Up to 9 months, verticalizing devices can not be used.

The tendons and muscles of the legs in babies are weak, in addition, some children have congenital feature- weakness of the connective tissue, which is why any negative impact associated with a large load on the legs can lead to hallux valgus, which, due to age features makes up a duet with physiological flat feet in young children, and with pathological flat feet in older children.

The most susceptible to the disease:

premature and underweight babies;
children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular pathologies;
chubby children with excess weight;
children with hip dysplasia;
babies with rickets;
weak and often ill peanuts;
children who wear uncomfortable and too soft shoes that do not support the foot;
children with ankle injuries knee joint, muscles or tendons, metatarsal bones feet.

Symptoms

Flat-valgus foot in the early stages at an early age is quite difficult to distinguish for the unprofessional parental eye. All babies are clumsy when they take their first steps, they all shuffle their feet a little, and in most cases this is the most common thing. However, an orthopedic specialist can determine the beginning of the deformity at the very initial stage.

In children after one and a half years and older, incorrect foot placement is accompanied by symptoms such as fast fatiguability, pain in the legs when walking, inability to run fast, swelling of the lower extremities in the evenings after a day spent in an upright position.

When the Latin letter X in the outlines of two legs placed side by side begins to be obvious, we are usually talking about a serious degree of anomaly.

Flat-valgus foot is not a sentence. With timely treatment, with a responsible and systematic approach to it by parents, the function of the foot with mild pathology can be restored in full. It all depends on the degree of the disease.

The degrees themselves are measured by the deflection angle vertical axis from the norm and the height of the arch of the foot. The greater the angle of deviation and the lower the height, the more severe the pathology is considered.

Surgical intervention may require 3-4 degrees of plano-valgus deformity. Milder foot placement disorders are corrected conservatively.

Conservative treatment

Treatment will be necessarily complex. Individual events and procedures will not bring desired result. Also, parents should mentally prepare for the fact that the process of getting rid of the deformation will take a long time. The higher the degree of the disease, the longer it will take to heal.

Sometimes therapy takes years. In fact, the child's lifestyle should change, all the prescriptions of the orthopedic surgeon should become an integral part of it.

Orthopedic shoes

Wearing special shoes aimed at forcing the correct placement of the foot may be required for children with 2-3 degrees of pathology, as well as for babies who have undergone surgery on the feet with 3-4 degrees of deformity.

Do not try to pick up such a pair of shoes yourself. Therapeutic couple is the task of professionals. First, the orthopedic doctor will give a reasonable conclusion and description, in which he will indicate the parameters of the anomaly, the degrees of deviation in the setting of the foot, and also give quite specific parameters for the height of the arch of the foot of a particular patient.

Orthopedic shoes with a flat-valgus setting of the legs should have high and hard backs, dense sidewalls so that the leg is securely fixed in the correct position. These shoes have arch supports and special orthopedic insoles.

A real orthopedic shoe pair is expensive, and this is what often becomes the reason for refusing to buy. Parents try to find more on their own cheap alternative. Experience shows that this is impossible, since no manufacturer of ordinary children's shoes, even if he positions his product as orthopedic, makes pairs for a crooked foot.

Even the best sandals from good manufacturer designed for normal foot placement, they are not designed to correct a deviated foot.

That is why it is important to find funds and purchase real orthopedic shoes, which, together with other methods of treatment, will certainly give a positive result.

Massage

Massage is a prerequisite for a successful recovery. You can, of course, do it with a professional massage therapist, but given that there will be many courses, it is better to save the family budget (massage is an expensive pleasure) and learn how to do it yourself.

The massage is based on classical techniques based on stroking, kneading and vibration exposure.

The order of techniques for each massage zone is exactly the following: first, they lightly stroke, massage more deeply, tap and finish the session with light soothing strokes.

Massaging with flat-valgus deformity is necessary:

feet, fingers, metatarsal areas of the foot, heel;
ankle with circular movements around the ankle joint;
knee joint in a circular motion;
front and back hips;
buttocks;
lumbosacral region;
lower back.

You can complete the massage session with a foot bath, in which warm water will gradually become cold, parents should add cold water at a slow pace. Vigorous rubbing of the feet, lower legs and thighs with a hard towel is useful.

Usually a massage course is prescribed for 10-14 days, then after a 2-3-week break, the course is repeated. Massage improves blood circulation in the lower extremities, strengthens ligaments and muscles.

Foot baths

And at mild form illness, and with a deformation of 2-3-4 degrees, it is useful to give the child evening relaxing baths with healing effect. For them, use warm water with an added decoction of medicinal plants.

Usually, a decoction helps to soothe the legs, improve blood circulation, relieve swelling and tension. chamomile(for 250 ml of water - 1 teaspoon of dry herbal collection). You can also use burdock root with the addition of a teaspoon of ordinary baking soda to the solution ready for the bath.

Paraffin therapy

This is a method of alternative therapy, which in no way cancels the classic in this case massage, gymnastics, physiotherapy and wearing orthopedic shoes. However, this method has proven to be an effective adjuvant treatment.

The essence of paraffin therapy is in the imposition of a thermal compress from a special purified paraffin on a sore spot, preheated, plastic and elastic.

In the case of a flat-valgus setting, the procedure is called "paraffin boots". From medical paraffin, by applying it to the feet and ankle, “boots” are formed, which are wrapped in polyethylene on top. A warm compress is kept on the legs for about 15-20 minutes. This allows you to warm the muscles and ligaments, improve blood circulation.

Procedures can be carried out in courses, as well as massage. For this, it is also not necessary to sign up for a paraffin therapy session in medical Center or clinic, paraffin is sold in pharmacies, and it home use will not cause any problems.

Gymnastics

The gymnastic complex for this pathology includes more than 20 exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the lower extremities. A specialist instructor in the exercise therapy room in the clinic at the place of residence will be able to teach parents and the child therapeutic exercises.

The exercises are simple, accessible to everyone, they should be performed daily, at home. You can include in the complex a block of exercises in a standing position on a special massage mat. For these purposes, you can choose an orthopedic applicator mat, made of rigid materials and having a sufficiently high rigid relief or based on massage needles.

An orthopedic surgeon will also help you choose the right mat.

Physiotherapy

In the treatment of flat-valgus installation of the foot, the possibilities of electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, and electrical muscle stimulation are used. It is not possible to carry out all these procedures at home; you will have to visit a clinic or a private medical center.

In itself, physiotherapy in this case does not cure anything, but strengthens and complements the effect that the rest of the components give in combination. complex therapy

Lifestyle

Parents of chubby kids with extra pounds will have to put their child on a diet, since weight affects the rate of deformation. The higher the weight, the faster degenerative processes develop in the joints, ligaments and muscle tissue.

A pediatrician and a nutritionist come to the rescue, the child signs a special menu, rich

Valgus deformity of the foot is a process of changing the shape of the foot, which is accompanied by the appearance of an unaesthetic painful outgrowth, a bone at the base of the big toe.

How does deformation occur?

Flat valgus deformity of the feet is a specific pathology of the functional position of the foot, which occurs due to the fact that its height is significantly underestimated, and the central axis is bent.

The toes and the heel, respectively, turn outward, and the foot itself gradually acquires an x-shaped shape. Such a pathology can be acquired and congenital, it is extremely problematic to treat it, but, in general, the correction of the disease is conservative or surgery- carried out by orthopedists quite successfully.

Causes

Flat valgus deformity of the foot in adults can occur due to the action of such factors:

improperly selected shoes (or insoles) - they can be narrow or not the size of the foot;
prolonged wearing of shoes, boots with high heels;
subluxation of the base of the phalanx of the big toe (video);
against the background of gout, an excessive amount of uric acid salts accumulate in the joints, which, in turn, leads to the development of flat valgus deformity of the foot in adults;
weak tendons;
hereditary predisposition;
excess body weight (additional load on the joints);
flat valgus deformity of the feet is also characteristic of the menopausal period in female body- hormonal imbalance;
pregnancy - the myotic corset simply cannot cope with the additional functional load on it, so part of the mass “presses” on the joints, deforming them;
flat feet of varying degrees;

Degrees

The difference in degrees in hallux valgus depends on the angle that changes between the first toe and the bone (connective, metatarsal).

1 degree

At the first degree, in the intertarsal angle, there is an increase in joint deformity (sesamoid ligaments are too mobile), subluxation of the foot occurs.

2 degree

With the second degree of hallux valgus, there is a further displacement of the tendons and joints on the thumb.

3 degree

Deformity of the 3rd degree (regardless of the factor that turned out to be the main one) occurs due to the fact that the bone and connective tissues in this zone are vulnerable and rather weak, they do not cope well with a significant functional load.

Symptoms

Signs of flat valgus deformity of the foot are as follows:

A clear visual cosmetic defect - the joint significantly increases in size, sticks out to the side, is located perpendicular to the axis of the foot, and the toe itself turns out into reverse side, inside (video); there is a so-called varus installation of the foot.
Accompany symptomatic manifestations of flat valgus pathology and flat feet, severe chronic bursitis, as well as deforming arthrosis, affecting the metatarsophalangeal joints.

Diagnostics

For the correct selection of the treatment of valgus, the prevention of the disease ( physical exercise, gymnastics, massage), as well as preventing it further development requires timely and thorough examination of the patient.

To specify valgus, the doctor makes X-ray feet in 3 projections - this way it is possible to identify which of the 3 degrees of development of hallux valgus deformity in a patient, and also to clarify whether he has additional concomitant pathologies, such as aseptic necrosis, cyst, arthritis, inflammatory pathology periosteum, etc.

If the corresponding symptoms (photo) are detected, the doctor applies treatment (orthopedic insoles, corrective exercises, gymnastics, massage), which helps, if not to cure the valgus, then at least correct its manifestations.

Treatment

ATTENTION!

MINISTRY OF HEALTH PROHIBITES SELLING FIXERS FROM VALGUES DEFORMATION!!!

It is almost impossible to completely cure flat valgus deformity of the 3rd degree, but you can do without surgery. There are several standard treatment methods aimed at correcting this pathology.

Orthopedic insoles

Installation of special orthopedic insoles designed to correct flat valgus deformity of the foot.

These insoles show high performance effectiveness in the early stages of the development of the disease, in addition to them, the orthopedist must prescribe the installation of special instep supports aimed at correcting the position of the foot.

In addition to the above methods, the installation of finger correctors and additional ties is shown. Most the best option– medical shoes of orthopedic properties, in which individually selected insoles are installed.

Massage

With valgus, a special foot massage is shown. For this purpose, you should turn to professionals. Often, to correct the pathology, the orthopedic doctor prescribes a course of massage, consisting of ten sessions, which should be repeated at least once every few months.

Gymnastics

Properly selected physical exercises help to significantly correct foot valgus. The most common gymnastics options:

walking on half toes;
walking on uneven surfaces;
an attempt to grab certain objects with the toes;
moving around the room only on the outer part of the feet.

For gymnastics in order to treat valgus, exercises using a massage mat are suitable.

Physiotherapy

A complex of physiotherapeutic measures is not suitable for treatment, but for minimizing the symptoms of the disease. It is good to supplement the treatment with massage, orthopedic insoles and gymnastic exercises for valgus.

If when walking in adults there are pain that prevent them from moving, the orthopedist prescribes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Surgical intervention

The operation is indicated in a situation where the pathology has a clearly progressive character or a deformed finger prevents the patient from living comfortably, and also when conservative methods- insoles in shoes, corrective massage and special exercises did not lead to correction of the varus position of the foot (video).

Modern medical orthopedic equipment involves such a type of treatment as low-traumatic correction of the joint - this is an operation after which the patient is not put in plaster and no additional metal structures are mounted.

During the operation, the surgeon corrects the angle that is between the bones of the foot. Such an operation is necessary in order for the pulling function of the ligaments to be properly distributed. Recovery period after such an operation, it passes quite quickly, there are practically no relapses.

Alternative treatment

Varus planting of the feet (photo) in adults, resulting from valgus deformity of the 3rd degree, is subject to correction at home (without surgery). The most effective technologies:

Madder decoction

The reception of a decoction of madder dye is shown - the product removes excess uric acid; a teaspoon of the powder should be poured with a full glass of water, which should be preheated; then the mixture should be boiled on a steam bath for about 10 minutes; strain the resulting product, take 12 cups several times a day. Sometimes the remedy even helps to avoid surgery.

Dandelion

Dandelion flowers correct the growths well and fight the varus planting of the feet. After they are well dried, they should be poured a small amount iodine. The agent is infused for 3 days, after which it is applied in the form of a grid on the valgus of the foot.

Mustard and bodyaga

Varus planting of the feet and valgus deformity are well corrected with the help of a special home-made medicinal ointment. A large spoonful of mustard powder will require the same amount of bodyagi, a few tablespoons of turpentine and a few drops of machine oil. Treatment of valgus with such an ointment (photo) will be very effective and efficient, it will help to do without surgery.

Compress

Well suited for the treatment of varus feet and valgus of the 3rd degree and therapeutic compresses prepared using natural propolis. Put a small slice of the product overnight on the bone, carefully securing it with a bandage.

Comprehensive treatment is the key to success

Any of the above methods of treating grade 3 valgus and varus planting of the foot will be effective, but it is better to apply A complex approach Combining homemade recipes with proper exercise, corrective shoes with orthopedic insoles, massage therapy will complement.

You should always take preventive measures (physical exercises and therapeutic exercises, orthopedic insoles, massage) to avoid the occurrence and development of hallux valgus.